2023-08-12 12:00:01
The margin of error of a speed camera is the difference between the maximum speed allowed on a specific road and the actual speed from which the device can fine. This is because the law obliges all speed cameras to have a threshold of tolerance to prevent a hypothetical measurement error and avoid unfair fines. And although the sensitivity of the radars and the technology used is greater, which allows speeds to be captured more accurately, the current error margins have been in force since 2020 (Order ITC/155/2020, of February 7) . Not all devices have the same technical specifications or margins of error. Thus, for fixed radars and for mobile radars on tripods or installed in stationary vehicles, a range of 5 km/h and 5% above 100 km/h is established.
In mobile installation radars on vehicles, the margin of error is 7 km/h and 7% if driving over 100 km/h. In those installed in the famous “Pegasus” helicopters, the margin is 5 km/h and 5% above 100 km/h. And finally, in section radars the established margin is 3 km/h with a 3% margin above 100 km/h.
To calculate the speed margin that we have, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) itself has explained the ‘rule of 7’. It is called like this because the number 7 is the key to remember the limits: up to 100 km/h, add 7 km/h; and above 100 km/h, it adds 7%.
In any case, we must be clear that all radars, that is, any measuring device with an image, must pass periodic metrological controls. If these measuring devices are correctly approved, a margin of error is established in the approval itself, so the speed at which we can be penalized depends, among other factors, on the margin in which we move.
Thus, if the speed is less than 100 km/h, the DGT indicates that, in the case of mobile radars, it will not be activated until said speed does not exceed the limit of 7 km/h. That is, if you drive at 50 km/h, the fine will be applied at 58 km/h, if you drive at 60 km/h, the radar will jump to 68 km/h. The same happens in the highways where the margin is in 70, 80, 90 and 100, in which the same procedure will be applied.
However, if the vehicle exceeds 100 km/h, the formula is different. In these cases, the DGT informs that 7% will be added to the speed indicated by the signal. In this way, for the limit of 110, the fine will be applied if 117.7 km/h is exceeded, for 120 the radars are programmed to activate from 128.4 km/h. And the same equation for the rest of speeds above 100.
The reason for not applying the same measure as in the previous case is because low speeds (below 100) are very difficult to perceive by mobile radars while driving. Likewise, the reason why 7 has been established, both in percentage and in quantity, is because the maximum errors that are allowed in radars are between 3%, the newest, and 7%, the oldest, the latter being, according to Traffic, “more beneficial for the driver.”
#true #speed #DGT #radar #capture